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Julia Shelton “Judy” Rogers of Brierfield, AL passed away on April 22, 2024, in Charlotte, NC. Judy was born on December 6, 1932, in Louisville, KY. After graduating from the University of Louisville in 1954 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Judy received a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia and a PhD in Educational Research from the University of Alabama. Before serving as a Professor of Psychology and Director of Institutional Research & Planning at the University of Montevallo, Judy taught Psychology at East Carolina University and was a Research Associate with the Human Resources Research Office of George Washington University at Ft. Bliss, Texas.

Known for her idealism, generosity, and kindness, Judy was an enthusiastic teacher and mentor who loved her work at the University of Montevallo. As one of the inaugural leaders of the University’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning, Judy was recognized as a Distinguished Professor by faculty, staff, and students. Upon her retirement, Judy remained involved with the University’s Psychology Department and was proud to support the Drs. James and Judy Rogers Endowed Scholarship Program and its recipients. She also spearheaded the foundation of the University of Montevallo’s Psychology Club and Psi Chi Society (National Honor Society), both of which are thriving today.

Judy was a passionate advocate for advancing equity for women and was involved with the American Association of University Women, holding offices at both the local and state levels. She was a past President of the Montevallo branch of the AAUW, state by-laws chair, and the recipient of both the Pathfinder Award and the Women of Distinction Award given by the AAUW.

A champion of environmental conservation, Judy served as a long-time supporter of the Friends of the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and the Bibb County Citizens for Wildflowers. She also served on the Board of Living River, a camp and conference center of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Bibb and Shelby counties which also provides environmental education for schools, churches, and other groups. Judy was instrumental in having her church, Montevallo Presbyterian Church, certified as an Earth Care Congregation, and served as an active member of the Alabama Environmental Council, the Nature Conservancy, and the Sierra Club. Judy was also an avid birder and built a nature photography portfolio which she exhibited locally.

Judy was known for her deep involvement in her community. She was a long-time devoted member of the Montevallo Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder, Chair of the Finance Committee and in many other leadership capacities. She also held leadership positions in the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley.

Judy and her late husband were instrumental in the founding of the Montevallo EMS. Additionally, for more than 20 years, she volunteered for the Brierfield Fire & Rescue as a first responder and certified EMT and served on its board of directors and as an officer. Judy was honored by that organization with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her groundbreaking work in establishing the Brierfield Rescue Service. She was also a member of Civitans, a dedicated poll worker for elections, and held a pilot’s license.

In retirement, Judy loved traveling and continuing to support her community, family, and friends. In 2020, she moved to Charlotte, NC to be near relatives. She will be missed by her family and many Montevallo and Brierfield friends, former colleagues, and community members who admire and appreciate her leadership, friendship, and service.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. James P. Rogers, Jr.; her stepson John Rogers; her parents, Charles Thomas Shelton and Lilyn McGuffin Shelton of Louisville, KY; her sisters, Auralia Crowell, Barbara Anderson, and Nora Jean “DeDe” Armstrong, and her brother Thomas Shelton. Judy is survived by her stepsons, James P. Rogers III and Andrew Rogers, six step-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Judy lived a long and abundant life. As wonderful as her numerous accomplishments were. her caring, generous, kind and loving spirit, and her indomitable will, will be most remembered by all who knew her. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to those whose lives she touched.

A memorial service celebrating Judy’s life will be planned at a later date. The family asks that memorial donations be made to the following organizations: Living River: A Retreat on the Cahaba, Inc. at 2000 Living River Parkway (https://www.livingriver.org/donate.html); Brierfield Fire and Rescue at PO Box 1, Brierfield, AL 35035; Montevallo Presbyterian Church at 510 Shelby Street, Montevallo, AL 35115; or to the Drs. James and Judy Rogers Endowed Scholarship in Psychology at the University of Montevallo at UM Foundation and Office of Advancement & Alumni Affairs, Station 6215, Montevallo, AL 35115 (https://www.montevallo.edu/give/annual-giving/).